Richard Stroobant: Teaching the Future

Richard Stroobant has spent more than 40 years in broadcasting, although for a good chunk of that time, most people in radio knew him simply as "Big Dick." And yes, there's a story behind that nickname.

Richard and I first worked together in Edmonton in 1994, before he returned to Calgary and became part of the legendary team at CJAY 92. Those were some wild days in radio, when a 19 share was possible for a rock station, margaritas appeared on Friday mornings, and management occasionally had to apologize for what happened on the air.

In 2006, Richard made the move from radio production to teaching at SAIT, where he's spent the last 20 years helping launch broadcasting careers. His former students include Ron Tarrant, who went on to become head sound designer for The Howard Stern Show, Winnipeg radio personality and social media star Tyler Carr, Jenn Dalen from Stingray and Angela Valiant at 107.3 The Edge.

We talk about what made radio so much fun back then, the importance of finding a good mentor, and how broadcasting schools have had to adapt to an industry that's changed dramatically. Richard also shares how he was ready to teach online years before COVID forced everyone else to figure it out, and why today's graduates need skills that extend well beyond radio.

There's plenty of radio nostalgia in this episode, but it's also a conversation about where the next generation of broadcasters and content creators might be headed.

My Recommended Microphones for Podcasters

If you're starting a podcast, I recommend using a dynamic microphone, especially if you're recording at home in a room that hasn't been acoustically treated. You don't need to spend a fortune to get good sound, but you do need the right microphone and proper technique.

Shure MV7 – A great option for beginners and experienced podcasters. It connects directly to your computer via USB or to an audio interface via XLR.

RØDE PodMic – An affordable, durable dynamic microphone that delivers excellent sound for the price. It uses XLR, so you'll need an audio interface or mixer.

Shure SM7B – My professional choice and a broadcast industry favourite. It's an XLR microphone that requires an interface with plenty of clean gain.

Remember, buying a good microphone is only half the battle. As Richard explains in this episode, proper microphone placement makes an enormous difference. Keep the mic slightly off-axis, about 45 degrees from your mouth, to avoid popping your Ps and Bs. And don't forget a windscreen.

For more advice on improving your podcast, this 2022 episode, The Top 10 Reasons Why Your Podcast Isn't Working is more relevant than ever.

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